Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what information they hold on the availability of Vancomycin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile in pharmacies across the country.

The Department fully understands that maintaining access to vancomycin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile is vitally important to many people in this country.

We are aware that two manufacturers of vancomycin capsules are currently experiencing supply issues. However, alternative manufacturers have supplies available and there are sufficient supplies available to continue to meet normal United Kingdom demand.

We continue to work closely with industry and partners in the health system to help prevent shortages and to ensure that the risks to patients are minimised when supply issues do arise.